HC Deb 12 July 1985 vol 82 cc545-6W
Mr. Dickens

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to ban the importation of crossbows; and if he will make a statement.

Value £ million
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 May 1984-April 1985
Complete passenger motor cars:
UK exports 291 299 336 320 302 324
UK imports 1,648 1,717 2,329 2,969 2,877 3,062
Lorries, trucks, vans, etc.
UK exports 246 178 139 106 97 98
UK imports 180 98 197 290 319 338
Complete buses and coaches
UK exports 3 1 2 3 2 4
UK imports 6 13 31 46 49 43

Source: data corresponding to SITC/R2 Groups 781 & 782 and Sub-group 783.1 in the UK Overseas Trade Statistics.

Notes:

(i) 1984 figures are provisional.

(ii) UK exports are valued fob, imports are valued cif.

(iii) All figures relate to the European Community as currently constituted, plus Spain and Portugal.

Mr. Channon

The misuse of these articles is adequately covered by existing criminal legislation, so I do not think that there is any reason to impose such a ban.